The bond between crafting and mental health is quite indispensible. According to recent studies, creative activities like crossword puzzles, knitting and cake decoration are great ways of distressing. These are enticing tasks that will make you feel good the non-medicinal way. The mind requires a break at times. Talking and meditating will definitely enlighten your mood. However, sometimes work done in silence would be much more effective. This is when art and craft comes into play! As your fingers play around with the canvas, needle and thread, your mind will feel relaxed and paced. The soothing nature of crafting makes it an ideal tool for recovery, de stressing and reflecting.
A great way to stay Strong
A study that was done on 3500 knitters proved many interesting facts. It states that the repetitive nature of crafting will make you organized and well composed. Betsan Corkhill, a famous therapist states that more than 2000+ individuals from this study were happy and physically strong. Most of them consider knitting as a hobby that is done specifically for stress relief and relaxation. On the other hand, people who refrained from crafting were more prone for mental problems and emotional troubles. Neuroscientists state that crafting is much more effective than photography, cooking and even music.
The real reason
So, how does crafting work? The brain releases a natural anti depressant called dopamine. When you are creative, more dopamine gets secreted. Generally, creativity that requires lots of concentration will stimulate the production of dopamine. This is why you would feel good when you engage in crafting. Currently, studies are being done to identify the bond between crafting and mild cognitive impairment caused by aging.
Overcome Depression
Similarly, crafting will aid you in alleviating depression. When some parts of the brain remain unused or used less often, individuals are likely to feel depressed easily. Kelly Lambert, the author of Lifting Depression states that you should do some physical work to feel great. Lambert quotes that a tweet or post in Facebook will not comfort your mental circuitry. A vast portion of the brain would remain unused if you don’t engage in evolutionary activities like crafting. Hence, to overcome depression, effort driven activities should be performed. Moreover, it is quite evident that a good creative activity will improve your mental health and it would do no harm.
The Messy Way
The best part about crafting would be its messy nature! You cannot master a craft without making some mistakes or pokes! Art and craft expects individuals to get used to glue, needles, threads and scissors that can create a massive mess. As a result, your brain will be forced to go through different types of sensations in a tactile and engaging manner. This plays an important role in learning and mental development. Conversely, it is an ideal tool against depression and stress.
Overcoming Tiredness
Crafting will help you calm down and cast down your burdens. Professionals like nurses and doctors are forced to go through indescribable amounts of stress. As a result, stress becomes an invincible part of their day-to-day life. Individuals from such professions should engage in arts and crafts to relax. The soothing rhythm of crafting is a powerful distraction that can save you from work related tiredness. Even when done in small amounts, the effort owes to have promising effects on professionals.
Use it to Keep it!
Finally, crafting is a form of wisdom that will grow or go! You should use your arts and crafts skill to nurture it and remain sharp. Individuals who don’t use their crafting skills will certainly lose it and increase the risks of many mental health problems.
*Note that the terms ‘mental health problems’ in the above article may not refer to mental sicknesses that require a doctor’s aid. It may merely mean the brain’s ability to function better, thinking more creatively, skills in solving problems and more.
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